“They’ve been offered counselling, as were the police who attended what is a gruesome scene,” Supt Johnson said.

The Buddhist temple in Rossmore. (9NEWS) ()

Police say they don’t know which man fired the makeshift weapon which was stolen from a construction site on the grounds but the older man has told friends his version of events.

“He said he heard a few shot bang bang bang and realised the monk shot himself and after that he turned and have a look and the monk come and grab his throat and shot him,” temple member Venara Kim said.

The peaceful Buddhists are still struggling to come to terms with the attack.

“Sometimes this world is not very perfect. We are very sad about this one,” Mr Kim said.

The temple was in lockdown after the incident yesterday afternoon. (9RAW)